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Monday 24 Oct 2011

SEVENOAKS STATION UPGRADE PLANS REVEALED

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail and Southeastern have released details of a major upgrade for Sevenoaks station which will provide modern facilities and better journeys for passengers.

The upgrade, which is being funded through the government’s national stations improvement programme and Southeastern’s refurbishment programme, includes:

- Extending the existing concourse to make it easier to move around for passengers, particularly at the busiest times of the day. This will include installing a wider doorway.
- Renovating the toilets
- Upgrading customer information screens
- New DDA compliant ticket office
- Providing new retail facilities
- Refurbishing the overbridge and stairs to the platforms, plus the staircase to the season ticket holder's car park
- Extending motorcycle parking and installing double-decker racks to boost bike parking.
- Replacing waiting shelters on platforms 1/2 and 3/4.

Mike Smith, Network Rail’s route enhancement manager for Kent, said: “As well as providing a safe, punctual and reliable train service we must give passengers a better journey experience. The upgrade of Sevenoaks station is a big step forward and will make a big difference for the community and businesses in the town who use the railway for thousands of journeys every day.”

A Southeastern spokesman added: “Providing our passengers with a safe and comfortable environment is important to us. The station is the gateway to Sevenoaks for many and provides the first impression of the town. If we can provide a positive experience then this will help both the community and businesses in the town. We will work together with Network Rail to ensure that we deliver this project with minimal disruption to our passengers.”

The station will remain open to passengers throughout the construction although, passengers will need to use the temporary facilities during some phases of the work. Details of these temporary facilities are being finalised and will be shared with passengers in advance of work starting.

Preparatory work is expected to start in December 2011, with main construction starting in early 2012. All work is scheduled for completion by Summer 2012.